[kjc]

I wouldn't use that as the peroxide is too strong and could cause damage to the eye. This remedy is also formulated for a white coated dog.

I agree that the cause of the staining needs to be addressed. More often than not, bacteria may be the culprit. Ears need to be kept clean, and I use a Natural Tears product to rinse the eyes as needed. I also believe that a diet with a high protein percentage can cause tear staining.(over 20-25%).

Here's my routine: Wet the stain with Natural tears or a sterile saline eye wash. Really saturate it. Then brush/comb out the dog. The tear stain will be softened somewhat. Wet it again, and very carefully and gently comb through it with the wide spaced teeth of your comb, the the narrow end, then comb through it down to the skin with a flea comb. This gets most the goop off the hair. Do not pull or rip the hair out while combing through it. If it doesn't go through the hair, rewet the stain until it does.

Then I saturate a cottonball with more sterile saline solution and wipe any residue off till the cottonball passes over the area and stays clean.

Next I apply an antibiotic eye ointment (non-steroidal) to each eye, and raise the upper lids and lower the lower lids to get it all over the eye and under the lids. This will also protect the eyes during the bath. If some of the ointment takes the same route as the tear stain, I leave it there to combat any bacterial activity on the skin. (I always use AB eye ointment for facial wounds near the eyes anyway).

For a dog with bad stains and goop, this may need to be done 2-3 times the first week, before it begins to clear.

I check the eyes each morning, and wipe gently with a cottonball to remove any foreign objects and hair that may have ended up in the eyes overnight. If the eyes stay good and clean, I go to doing it once a week, or pre-bath. I have never had to use anything stronger on a Yorkie, and keeping the hair clean is key, as the bacteria won't take hold either.